Foreign Relations of the United States, 1955–1957, Volume III, China, Microfiche Supplement

627. Telegram 2067 to Geneva¹

Washington, May 29, 1956, 8:13 p.m.

2067. For Johnson.

Guidance for May 31 meeting.

1. Inform Wang that in order remove any vestige basis for Wang’s claim that US has not performed under Agreed Announcement because Chinese prisoners not free leave US each Chinese alien criminal in Federal or State penitentiary in US being informed of Agreed Announcement and is specifically being told that if he desires do so he may apply for immediate voluntary deportation to mainland. Indian Embassy being informed that arrangements being made for its representatives interview each imprisoned criminal of Chinese nationality to ascertain to Embassy’s satisfaction whether individual desires release for immediate return mainland China. US will take prompt action upon any application by such Chinese criminals for immediate deportation.

2. Inform Wang that while Chinese alien criminals in US prisons were not included in Agreed Announcement September 10 or in discussions leading up to that Announcement and none so far as we know have expressed any wish return to Communist China, nevertheless in view of Wang’s statements we have carried out careful investigation in all Federal and State prisons to identify alien Chinese imprisoned there. Extensive investigation necessary because no Chinese imprisoned on political type charges or because his race, nationality or political beliefs. They are all imprisoned for common crimes such as murder and narcotic traffic. Names and addresses all Chinese alien criminals who have been identified will be given Indian Embassy here. You may inform Wang that Indian Embassy will be informed morning May 31 Washington time but that no publicity now being given to decision.

3. FYI You may expand your presentation along indicated lines as you consider appropriate in order obtain maximum tactical and psychological impact from it. We hope by this strategy actually to obtain release imprisoned Americans or else make Chinese Communist public position in continuing to hold them completely indefensible. Compulsion on Chinese Communists to act must at this stage be indirect rather than in form outright pressure. END FYI

4. We anticipate that this new move on prisoners will and should occupy major portion meeting. We leave it to your judgment whether you introduce this item or renunciation force first. On renunciation force reiterate reasons why Wang’s May 11 draft is a retrograde step and unacceptable. Probe Wang’s motivation in moving away from agreement instead of toward agreement. Indicate US distaste for threats inherent in Wang’s position. Repulse allegation US is side that is guilty of stalling tactics. Continue take non-committal attitude towards possibility Chinese Communist publication Wang’s latest draft, making it clear while we disapprove publicity at this stage in accordance with understanding at time talks were initiated we have nothing to fear from publicity.

5. If Wang should make public statement as suggested your 1937 you should make statement along lines you recite there but make no mention that further comments will emanate Washington as we may not wish make further statement here.

Hoover

1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 611.93/5–2956. Secret; Priority; Limit Distribution. Drafted by McConaughy; cleared in draft by Phleger.